Hojicha Latte with Vanilla

Embrace the soothing warmth of this Hojicha Latte with Vanilla Extract. This cozy, aromatic Japanese-inspired latte features roasted green tea, creamy plant milk, and a hint of vanilla, making it the perfect low-caffeine treat for any time of day.

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Unlike traditional green teas, Hojicha is made by roasting the tea leaves, which reduces bitterness and imparts a beautiful reddish-brown color. This preparation highlights its earthy profile while keeping the texture smooth and velvety.

Ingredients

• Tea: 1 teaspoon hojicha powder, 1/4 cup (60 ml) boiling water
• Milk: 3/4 cup (180 ml) plant milk (e.g., oat, soy, or almond)
• Flavor: 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Sweetener (optional): 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or sweetener of choice

Instructions

1. Dissolve the Tea

In a mug or heatproof bowl, whisk the hojicha powder with boiling water until fully dissolved and frothy.

2. Heat the Milk

In a small saucepan or using a milk frother, heat the plant milk until steaming but not boiling.

3. Season the Milk

Stir the vanilla extract and sweetener (if using) into the steamed plant milk.

4. Combine

Pour the milk mixture over the dissolved hojicha.

5. Mix and Serve

Gently stir or whisk to combine, and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a perfectly smooth drink, whisk the hojicha powder thoroughly into the hot water before adding the milk to avoid any clumps.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to adjust the amount of vanilla and sweetener to your personal preference. For those looking for the creamiest results, oat and soy milk are the top choices due to their natural thickness.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this latte in a tall mug while it is still steaming. It pairs wonderfully with a light snack or can be enjoyed on its own as a comforting mid-day break.

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This Hojicha Latte is more than just a drink; it's a moment of Zen in a cup. With its roasted depth and creamy finish, it is sure to become a staple in your beverage rotation.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What does hojicha taste like?

Hojicha has a distinctively nutty, toasty flavor with earthy undertones. The roasting process removes bitterness, resulting in a smooth, mellow tea that's less astringent than other green teas.

→ Is hojicha lower in caffeine than regular green tea?

Yes, hojicha naturally contains less caffeine than other green teas because the roasting process breaks down caffeine molecules. A typical cup has roughly half the caffeine of sencha or matcha.

→ Can I use hojicha tea bags instead of powder?

Tea bags will work, but powder creates a smoother, more integrated latte. If using bags, steep strongly in boiling water first, then remove bags before adding milk. The texture won't be as creamy.

→ Which plant milk tastes best in this latte?

Oat milk provides the creamiest, most neutral base that lets the hojicha and vanilla shine. Soy milk also froths beautifully. Almond milk adds a slight nuttiness that complements the roasted tea.

→ Can I make this iced?

Absolutely. Prepare the hojicha concentrate with hot water as directed, then let it cool. Froth the milk cold or simply shake it with ice, then pour over the tea concentrate for a refreshing summer version.

→ Is sweetener necessary?

No, hojicha has naturally sweet, caramel-like notes from roasting. However, a touch of maple syrup or your preferred sweetener enhances the vanilla flavor and rounds out the drink. Start with less and adjust.